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Detroit Tigers: Six Players Who Could Improve Infield for Present, Future

By Ben Rosener

May 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates with second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) and shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Phillies win 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates with second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) and shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Phillies win 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Hernan Perez (14) reaches on an error on a throw to Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Hernan Perez (14) reaches on an error on a throw to Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Three More Options

Derek Dietrich

Age: 27
Position: Second Base, Third Base, First Base and Left Field
2016 Team: Miami Marlins
2016 WAR: 2.0
Controllable Through: 2020

Able to play at second base, third base, first base and in left field, Dietrich turned in a quality 2016 campaign for the Marlins. The 27-year-old hit .279 with a stellar .374 on-base percentage. Additionally, he chipped in with 42 RBI, 39 runs scored, 20 doubles, seven home runs and five triples.

Despite the strong numbers, Dietrich is blocked in Miami by the likes of Dee Gordon, Martin Prado, Justin Bour and Marcell Ozuna.

While the Marlins don’t really have a need for any of Detroit’s best trade chips, but there’s no denying the potential fit with Dietrich.

Kolten Wong

Age: 26
Position: Second Base, Center Field, Left Field, Right Field
2016 Team: St. Louis Cardinals
2016 WAR: 2.0
Controllable Through: 2021

Another target in a potential J.D. Martinez deal, Wong is already locked into an extremely team-friendly contract. Despite a down year in 2016, there’s no denying the second baseman’s upside.

Wong averaged 52 RBI, 41 extra-base hits and 18 stolen bases from the 2014 to 2015. He’d be an ideal successor to Kinsler down the line.

Hernan Perez

Age: 25
Positions: Third Base, Second Base, Right Field, First Base, Shortstop and Center Field
2016 Team: Milwaukee Brewers
2016 WAR: 1.2
Controllable Through: 2020

A trade for Perez seems the least likely simply because Detroit may not want to give up future assets to a rebuilding Milwaukee team. However, the former Tiger would fill a number of needs for Brad Ausmus’ club.

Not only does Perez bring the speed element that the Detroit Tigers needs, but he’s also developed into a solid offensive player. The utility player hit .272 with a .302 on-base percentage while contributing 56 RBI, 50 runs scored, 34 stolen bases, 18 doubles, 13 home runs and three triples.

Able to play multiple positions, he would be the first player off the Tigers bench.

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